The Lancet study identified 21 cases of neuromelioidosis in TN between July 2022 and April 2023. Most of the cases were from Tirupattur, and a few were from Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, and Krishnagiri districts. Ten of the patients had undergone procedures at the Vaniyambadi clinic, and among them, eight had died within 17 days of getting infected.

The bacteria responsible for neuromelioidosis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, was found in a saline bottle at the clinic. Highlighting poor hygiene practices at the clinic, the study noted, “Normal saline supplied in sterile 500 ml plastic bottles was used for wound irrigation during surgical procedures as well as for dilution of the local anaesthetic used for infiltration. These bottles were opened using a non-sterile periosteal elevator (a dental surgical instrument), loosely resealed, and reused over subsequent days until they were empty.”

The study directly links 10 neuromelioidosis cases in Tirupattur to the clinic. Sources said one infected patient remains unidentified, and another, a resident of New Town, is bedridden. Although her family said the infection has subsided, she has not regained mobility.

Adblock test (Why?)